newbie looking for a camera

Camalot

Camalot

Camalot

Soldato
Joined
7 Mar 2005
Posts
6,735
Location
Wolverhampton
Morning all,

I want to get into photography as a mini hobby. I don't know anything about cameras so I'm starting out completely new.

Which camera would be good for a starter like me? I've been looking at the cannon eos 1100d and 600d. I want to use it for all occasions really also some video but I do have a love for landscape / scenery type of photos! Would love to be able to do them time lapse photos to :)

Budget around 300 but would go to 400 if really worth it.
 
How do you rate the 1100D and 600D ? Can they do the above? (1100D more my price range)

Really have no idea about the lenses you refer to, is there a newbie guide any where?
 
The very 1st thing to do, is go to a store & physically hold a few cameras. You might be surprised just how different/more comfortable they are in your hands.

Also try out the differences between manufacturers in relation to getting into the menu's & which feels more intuitive/easier to use.

As a complete beginner you aren't already familiar with a certain brand, so keep an open mind.
 
Definitely go and hold a few.

I started with a 1000D, and it's a fine camera, does pretty much everything, and is a "proper" DSLR.

Having said that, I upgraded to a 40D and later a 50D, and found the build quality, AF, performance (particularly burst rate), controls and features to be a noticeable step up, and I could have made use of them from the beginning. The price differential isn't huge secondhand.

Also as mentioned, the Tamron 17-50 f2.8 (non-VC) is all you'll need from a general-purpose zoom for quite a while, great lens for the money.
 
Janesy B said:
1100D really feels like a toy, 550D is pretty much the same as a 600D without the articulated screen but cheaper.

The lens I referred to is a good general purpose lens and would be fine for landscape and scenery.

http://www.cameralabs.com/lens_guide/Lens_buying_guide_focal_length.shtml
Click to expand...

From what I can see with a quick Google that lense is around 289 quid and the 550d body is 300 second hand, unless I haven't looked hard enough, that's way out my budget ! Must say I like the idea of having a moveable screen.

Maybe I should get the body and use a basic lense that comes with it and invest in a better lense after?
 
D.P. said:
The Nikon D5100 is probably the best bargain around ATM, the sensor is wonderful.
Click to expand...

Just looked, does look nice, 10 quid cheaper than the 600d on rainforest.

Do like the feature where you can only show certain colours in the photo! Can most do this or just Nikon?
 
Camalot said:
Just looked, does look nice, 10 quid cheaper than the 600d on rainforest.

Do like the feature where you can only show certain colours in the photo! Can most do this or just Nikon?
Click to expand...

You can do that in post production, I wouldn't buy a camera because it can do silly effects because software can do that more effectively.
 
Okay :) I really don't know these things so I'll most likely be firing questions away over the coming weeks.

I fly back to UK on Thursday probably do some serious reading then, thanks for the info so far :)
 
I've been holding a 600D today and really like the feel, I already own canon products so feel more at home with it.

Next question, which memory card? :)

I'll look at a new lense on payday :)

Getting excited to start. Is there anything you would say I need, ie a flickr account or something to upload shots to?

Thanks all.
 
Memory card largely doesn't matter for still photography, especially with entry level cameras. It is safer to buy several slightly smaller cards than a single massive card.

You can get a flickr account for free that has tons of storage if you you want to share photo online.


Some other things you might considering buying in the future:
  • Polarizing filter for your lens, improves colour saturation and contrast, reduces reflections, gives a deeper blue sky.
  • Various bags to carry the gear. Normally good to have several different styles, something casual for the city, something more like a backpack for hiking.
  • card reader, faster transfers to your computer
  • Lightroom, you will want to shoot in RAW and do light editing once you get into things.
  • Spare batteries, if you go on holiday then you will definitely need some extras
  • There are lots of great guide books out there. Some will teach you how to use your camera, others teach you how to get great photos. The former you can find resources online, but for understanding how to take great photos the online resources are all very much lacking IMO while there are fantastic books out there.
 
Thanks D.P. Could you possibly link me to a decent enough memory card to get me going.

I'll check out some books to read through in my free time :)

I have been thinking about bags to carry the kit, will have a nose around online after I get back to the UK Thursday.
 
Picking up a D600 and 16Gig scandisk memory card tomorrow :)

Just need to save for a better lense/case now!

Signed up to flickr also :)
 
Camalot said:
Picking up a D600 and 16Gig scandisk memory card tomorrow :)

Just need to save for a better lense/case now!

Signed up to flickr also :)
Click to expand...

Goooooooooooooooood. There's a saying that most photographers know; "Money's in good glass".

Depending on what you want to shoot there's a few lens you should consider.

If you like the low DOF & bokeh, a 1.8f 50mm is a good option - brand new you can pick one up for about £80 give-or-take. No zoom function (none-zooming are often known as Prime Lenses), so it also helps you to figure out a good composition.

I'd also find a good wide angle and decent zoom (the latter of which I am yet to be happy with trying out). You can pick up some cheap low end wide angles like the Tamron or Sigma, or you can go for a Walimex 8mm rectangular fisheye (there are other rebranded of this) if you want a super wide view.

As for zoom, there's tonnes out there depending on what you like - and how far you want to perv - I mean zoom :D

EDIT: Case, I'd recommend a Lowepro Pro Runner, I have one and I love it. Taken manner a bash and scuff. If I was looking to upgrade I'd gladly give you it - but alas, she serves me well.
 
Thanks for the advice so far, I think tomorrow will be a bit of a learning curve !

Had a look at a few cases but not made my mind up yet.
 
Having fun?!

Is that nail varnish or Tippex? :D

Without wanting to sound like a spelling Nazi, but going straight ahead and doing so anyway, it's a "lens" not a "lense" :cool:
 
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